Low Point Mounds Cake Recipe (WW-Friendly)

Are you craving a delicious, chocolatey treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without derailing your Weight Watchers (WW) points? This Low Point Mounds Cake is the perfect solution! Inspired by the beloved Mounds candy bar, this cake delivers the rich, chocolate-coconut flavor you love, but with a healthier twist. By adjusting the ingredients to be lower in points, we’ve transformed this dessert into a WW-friendly version that fits into your healthy lifestyle while still offering that indulgent taste.

This recipe uses a carefully selected list of ingredients to keep the point count low while maximizing flavor. The result is a soft, moist cake that’s packed with a decadent chocolatey center, complemented by the natural sweetness of coconut. Best of all, you can enjoy this treat without feeling guilty or worrying about going over your daily WW points. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and see how easy it is to create a low-point version of Mounds Cake!

Ingredients for Low Point Mounds Cake (WW-Friendly)

To make this healthier Mounds Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 Box of Sugar-Free Yellow Cake Mix (or White Cake Mix)
    Traditional cake mixes are packed with sugars and refined carbs, but by opting for a sugar-free yellow or white cake mix, you significantly reduce the points. Sugar-free cake mixes are available in most grocery stores and are a fantastic way to keep your cake’s carbohydrate count lower without sacrificing texture and taste.
  • 1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder (Unsweetened)
    Cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the cake without adding excess sugar or fat. Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for a low-point dessert as it contains minimal calories and no added sugar.
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sweetener (Sugar Substitute)
    Instead of regular sugar, we’ll use a granulated sweetener that’s compatible with WW. There are several options, including Stevia, Monk Fruit Sweetener, or Erythritol. These sugar alternatives provide the sweetness you desire without the sugar rush or extra points.
  • 2 Cups Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
    For the chocolatey goodness you love, opt for sugar-free chocolate chips. These chips are typically sweetened with low-carb alternatives, keeping the point count down. Look for options like Lily’s Chocolate Chips, which are commonly available at health food stores and online.
  • 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
    Unsweetened shredded coconut gives the cake a touch of texture and that signature coconut flavor that Mounds bars are known for. The natural fats in coconut also provide a satisfying mouthfeel without adding extra points, as long as you use it in moderation.
  • 1 Cup Nonfat Greek Yogurt
    To ensure the cake remains moist and soft, nonfat Greek yogurt is the perfect ingredient. It’s lower in fat than traditional sour cream, but still keeps the cake rich and creamy. It’s a great substitute for oils or buttermilk, reducing the fat content and overall WW points.
  • 3/4 Cup Water
    Water is the liquid component in this recipe, helping to mix the dry ingredients without adding extra calories or points. It provides the necessary moisture for the cake while keeping it light.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
    Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake, balancing the sweetness of the cake mix and the richness of the cocoa and chocolate. A little bit goes a long way in creating a depth of flavor that complements the coconut and chocolate.
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
    Baking powder helps the cake rise and become fluffy. It’s essential for creating the perfect texture, especially when making a lower-fat, low-point cake.

Instructions for Making Low Point Mounds Cake

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your oven ahead of time ensures that the cake will bake evenly and the temperature remains constant throughout the process.
  2. Prepare the Cake Pan: Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will help the cake release easily after baking, so you can cut it into neat, perfect squares.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar-free yellow cake mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sweetener, and baking powder. Stir them together with a whisk to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Add the Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the nonfat Greek yogurt, water, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated. The batter should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
  5. Stir in the Shredded Coconut and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the shredded coconut and sugar-free chocolate chips. Be sure to evenly distribute them throughout the batter. The coconut and chocolate chips will create pockets of flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the next.
  6. Pour the Batter into the Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top so it bakes uniformly.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it toward the end.
  8. Cool the Cake: After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Once slightly cooled, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
  9. Slice and Serve: Once the cake has fully cooled, cut it into 16 squares. Each square represents one serving. If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top for decoration, but this will add a few extra points, so be mindful of portion size.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: This recipe yields 16 servings (squares).

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 1 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4 g
  • Net Carbs: 11 g
  • Sugars: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg

SmartPoints (WW) Breakdown

For those following the Weight Watchers program, each serving (1 square) of this Low Point Mounds Cake has approximately 5 WW SmartPoints. This is based on the current WW points system and the ingredients used in the recipe. The points are calculated based on the use of sugar-free cake mix, sugar substitutes, and the absence of oils and butter.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Weight Watchers (WW)

When you’re following the WW program, it’s important to find a balance between enjoying delicious treats and staying within your points allowance. Here’s why this Low Point Mounds Cake is a great choice for WW members:

  • Lower in Points:
    By using a sugar-free cake mix, low-carb sweeteners, and nonfat Greek yogurt, this cake significantly lowers the points compared to a traditional Mounds cake. You can enjoy a large slice without feeling guilty about your points.
  • Rich in Flavor Without the Calories:
    Even with the reduction in sugar and fat, this cake is still incredibly flavorful. The cocoa powder, sugar-free chocolate chips, and coconut provide an authentic Mounds flavor, satisfying your chocolate cravings in a healthy way.
  • High in Fiber:
    With the inclusion of coconut and the sugar-free cake mix, this dessert offers a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and keeping you full longer. Fiber also plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.
  • Satisfies Sweet Cravings:
    One of the hardest parts of following WW can be resisting dessert. This cake satisfies your sweet tooth, making it much easier to stick to your points for the day without feeling deprived.

Tips for Making This Cake Even Healthier

  • Use Low-Fat or Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt:
    If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the nonfat Greek yogurt with a dairy-free variety, such as coconut yogurt or almond milk-based yogurt. Be sure to choose a brand with low sugar content.
  • Experiment with Sweeteners:
    Different sugar substitutes can provide different levels of sweetness. You may want to experiment with various alternatives like monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol to find the one that suits your taste best.
  • Add a Frosting (Optional):
    If you’re craving a richer frosting, consider making a simple WW-friendly chocolate frosting using sugar-free powdered sweetener and unsweetened cocoa powder. Just be mindful of the extra points this might add to each serving.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

  • Storage:
    Store leftover Mounds Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to a month—just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    Serve this cake as an afternoon snack, after dinner, or even at a gathering with friends and family. For an extra indulgent treat, pair it with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup.

Conclusion

This Low Point Mounds Cake is the perfect WW-friendly dessert for those who want to enjoy a delicious, chocolatey treat without breaking their points budget. With its rich, decadent flavor and low-point count, it’s an ideal choice for anyone following the Weight Watchers program. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to satisfy your sweet cravings, this cake will hit the spot—guilt-free! Enjoy!